Not usually. While insurance may help cover damage to your property caused by tree roots, it generally won't cover costs associated specifically with the sewer lines.
While homeowners insurance protects you against some forms of unexpected water damage, water back-ups and sump pump overflows are usually not covered. You may purchase optional water back-up coverage that may pay for damages in the case of sewage back-up or a malfunctioning sump pump.
Every year, sewer backups cause damage to millions of households. Many homeowners may not know that they tend to be responsible for the maintenance and repair of the pipeline between their city's sewer main and their building, and if it gets damaged or clogged, it's financially their responsibility to remedy the issue.
A sewage spill can be damaging not only to your home, but also to your finances. Most sewer backup cleanup and restoration services cost between $2,000 and $10,000.
Most home insurance policies do not cover sewer line backups and clogged pipes. If your toilet or sewage system overflows and causes water damage, you will be responsible for the repair costs.
Sewers and lateral drains connected to the public network used to be the responsibility of the property owner. However, most are now maintained by local water companies. If you have any problems with your sewer or lateral drain, for example if it's blocked, contact your local water company.
However, a homeowners policy won't cover slow, constant leaks or other plumbing problems resulting from neglect or improper maintenance. This also applies to backed-up sump pumps or sewage systems that have not been routinely inspected and maintained.
Sewer and Water Backup coverage is an endorsement on homeowners' policies. It usually comes in different coverage increments: $5,000. $10,000.
Step 1: Call a Plumber
If a sewer backs up into your home or business, it's best to call a plumber first to investigate the cause of the backup. Learn more about how and when to report the problem to Environmental Services.
Firstly, if you have a large family or guests staying with you, your water usage is likely to be higher than an individual's or couple's, leading to increased sewage output. Secondly, if you have a leaky pipe, faucet, or toilet, you could unknowingly waste water and increase your costs.
Sewage backup is a serious issue that requires immediate attention and professional intervention. Due to the health hazards associated with sewage contamination, it is not safe to stay in a house with sewage backup.
Homeowner's responsibility
Homeowners are responsible for repairs to drains that serve their property and lies beneath the property, garden or driveway. If you think you might have a blocked pipe or drain, there are some key signs to look out for: A bad smell coming from your drains.
Sewer backups are an unfortunate, but common problem in U.S. cities and towns. Although municipal utility departments make every effort to prevent such incidents, they still may occur.
Generally, a homeowners insurance policy will cover your septic system from the same types of risks that the rest of your house is covered against. And, if you stay on top of regular maintenance and repairs, you may be able to avoid paying for costly septic tank repairs or replacements.
Sewer laterals are the underground pipes that connect your home wastewater to the main sewer line in the street. Homeowners are responsible for their sewer laterals, while problems with the public sewer main line are managed by the city or municipality.
The coverage standard homeowners insurance provides for sewer pipes is typically limited to physical damage from covered perils, such as if your plastic sewer pipes melt in a fire. Most policies specifically exclude damage from sewer backups.
Opting for a traditional sewer line repair method requires digging a long, deep trench(es) to remove the old sewer pipes and install new ones. On average, this method can cost $50-$250+ per foot. This estimate depends on the length and depth of the existing sewer pipes, ease of access to the pipes, and more.
Tree roots can grow into and obstruct the sewer lines; or extraordinary amounts of rainfall can infiltrate the system and overload it. The courts have made it clear that the city is liable for sewer back-up damages if, and only if, the city's negligence causes damages.
How much does water backup coverage cost? The average cost of water backup and sewer coverage may range from $50 to $250 per year, with limits of coverage from $5,000 to the full replacement cost of your home. Talk to your independent insurance agent to find the level of coverage that is right for you.
For example, damages caused by a sewer backup are covered if the backup is a direct result of flooding. However, if the backup is caused by some other problem, the damages are not covered.
In short, homeowners insurance typically covers sudden and accidental damage from plumbing issues, but it may not cover the cost of repairing or replacing the actual plumbing apparatus.
After you file a home insurance claim, it's possible that your premium will increase when your policy renews. If you file one claim, your insurance company may see you as likely to file another in the future. To offset the cost of that potential claim, your insurance company may charge you more for your policy.
Homeowners insurance usually won't cover damage to your home caused by sewer, septic tank or drain backups. That's unfortunate, because these types of backups can cause thousands—even tens of thousands—of dollars of damage to your personal property.